The Government has decided on an amendment to the temporary ban on entry into Sweden. The amendment concerns an exemption for residents of a certain specified non-EU country and is in line with the Council of the European Union’s latest recommendation to EU Member States.
The temporary entry ban came into force on 19 March and initially applied for 30 days. It has subsequently been extended following recommendations by the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. The latest decision to extend the ban on entry into Sweden from countries outside the EU/EEA means that the entry ban now applies until 31 October 2021.
There are several exemptions to the entry ban, one of which applies to residents of certain specified non-EU countries. As a result of today’s decision, residents of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates are exempted from the entry ban solely on the basis that they reside there. Other exemptions from the entry ban will also continue to apply to residents of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates.
Foreign citizens who are exempted from the entry ban, such as residents of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, are still required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry into Sweden.
The COVID-19 virus is an emergency of international concern that requires cross-border cooperation and a coordinated response. It is important that we coordinate action in the EU to ease entry restrictions in the best way possible as the epidemiological situation improves.
Today’s decision is in line with the Council’s latest recommendation to EU Member States.
The amendment will enter into force on 19 October 2021.
For more information on how the ordinance on a temporary ban on entry into Sweden is to be interpreted and which exemptions apply, please visit the website of the Police Authority. See the adjacent links.
